Gene screen

A PILOT programme of screening for cystic fibrosis begins this summer in three centres around Britain. If these pilot projects are successful, a national programme could follow. Britain has 2 million carriers of the underlying genetic defect, and 6000 people with the disease.

Researchers at three hospitals in London, the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh, and the University of Wales in Cardiff, are directing the projects, with funding from the Cystic Fibrosis Research Trust.

The simple DNA test, which involves taking a blood sample or swilling the mouth for cheek cells, should detect 86 per cent of carriers. The Scottish project will test 18,000 pregnant women, calling in their partners for a test if the woman is found positive. The English and Welsh tests will be carried out in doctors' surgeries. Much of the money for the project will pay for counselling.

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